free climb
Scale without ropes
Free climb refers to rock climbing using only hands, feet, and body strength to ascend—ropes and gear serve as safety backup but not as aids for upward progress.
This distinguishes it from aid climbing, where equipment helps the climber rise.
As a verb: She free climbed the north face in under four hours.
The related free solo means climbing without any ropes at all.
- ascentUpward movement
- boulderLarge weathered stone
- ropeThick twisted fibers
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- crackNarrow break or attempt
grip · handhold · foothold · dead hang · vertical · cliff · crag · rock face · belay · pitch · traverse · big wall · overhang · ledge · chalk · chalk bag · carabiner · harness
- achievementsaccomplishment, achievement, accomplishments, achievements, triumph
- featsfeat, stunt, exploit, daring feat, deed
- mountaineeringsummit, alpinist, mountaineer, ice axe, ice axes
- climbing activitiesrise, hike, trek, rock wall, scramble
- Climbing Featsfirst ascent, speed record, send, flash, Everest summit